• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental town of La Castellana’s Bailes de Luces or “Dances of Lights” is now famous in the international arena, after being adjudged as the senior grand champion in the dance group category of the 2024 World Championship of Performing Arts held at Westin Long Beach California in the United States.
The Bailes de Luces Festival is annual festival held in the first week of January in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, where competitors use Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs in their performances and wear colorful and vibrant costumes.
La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan, who led the Bailes de Luces dancers-delegates, said in her social media account that despite the challenges and trials along the way, they were able to make it.
Manngilimutan said “it is really a great honor and pride not only for us delegates, but to the people, who trusted us and believe in our capacity in showing off our talents and skills to the world.”
Andee de Silva from Lipa City, Batangas also emerged as the 2024 Junior Grand Champion Female Model of the World.
Both are part of the Team Philippines that competed in the WCOPA final showdown on July 3.
WCOPA, an international competition, is often cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers, with selections for official contestants being held in the USA, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa.
The winners walk away with over a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships and prizes.*
